# LI BHARY OF COxXGRE SS. 

JUNITED STATES OF AMERICA.. 



T- 



GREAT ATONEMENT ILLUSTRATED. 






A POEM. 



CONTAINING A PLEA OP ALL THE SUBSIDIAKY 

ATTKIBUTES OF DEITY, BEFORE THE GEAND 

COUNCIL IN HEAVEN— THE SEVEN SPIEITS 

OF GOD— THE SEAL OF THE ETERNAL 

COVENANT. 



By Rev. L. A. Alford, 

LOGANSPORT, IND. 



/"(^ CINCINNATI: 

JOHN SHEREE, PUBLISHEE. 

R. W. CARROLL & CO., 
No. 117 West Fourth Street. 

1868. 



'X 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in tiie year 1867, by 

REV. L. A. ALFORD, 

In the Clerlt's Office of tlie District Court of tlie United States, 
for tlie Soutliern District of Oliio. 



HOMAN & ABRAHAM, 

Stkreotypers, Printers & Binders, 

118 West Fourtli St. 

CINCINNATI. 



INVOCATION. 




'EEAT GOD! Supreme, Eternal, Wise, 
f^ Who decks the starry, azure skies, 
Tlie mountains rear in awe sublime, 
Who rolls the wheels of transient time; 
Who bounds the ocean and the sea: 
Who measures vast eternity ! 
Far back, Thy j)ower, what creature knew, 
And onward — O eternal view 
Of God — disclosing might and j)Ower, 
Through time's short effervescent hour; 
Then on — how wildly reels my brain, 
As here I trace the wondrous chain 
Of cause. Uprising toward Thy throne, 
Where Thou, O God! art God alone! 
Who can by searching find out Thee? 
Or mark the cycles. Thou canst see ! 



Invocation. , 

Or change Thy will! O who so vain — 

Thou canst Omnijjotence maintain — 

Canst fashion worlds, in bright array, 

From chaos bring the king of day. 

Then what is man? O look on nie 

As I this pencil draw for Thee ! 

Wisdom endow ! O light of God ! 

Illume! for who on earth, abroad 

Can make Thee known ! O God of Love, 

Or antedate the heaven above. 

Prince! King! and Potentate divine, 

Through Thee heaven's blessed i^avillions shine 

Perpetual — ceaseless — glorious — bright — 

O Son of God ! my soul's delight. 

Breathe through this offering, God of grace ! 

And thus reflect thy glorious face 

To all! who through this Poem see. 

The Great Atonement made for me. 



The 

GREAT ATONEMENT ILLUSTRATED. 



DP A li T I. 

WO^DEOUS LOVE ! O sacred place ! 
*€^f^ To gaze on God's atoning grace, 
The fount revealed for mortal woe, 
Transcends all fountains here below. 
'Twas Mercy, then, prevailed to staj'- 
The sentence of that dreadful day, 
When Justice's sword uplifted high, 
Proclaimed the creature man must die. 
Around the bright, the azure throne, 
The attributes of glory shone; 
The law of God, the central flame, 
Aloud his hate of sin proclaim, 



The Atonememt Illustrated. 

Nor dare a Seraj)h round the throne, 
A thought of grace or hope make known. 
'Twas thus amidst the council high, 
Before the tlirone, a Post drew nigli, 
And heralded the tidings there, 
That Eden's favored, happy pair, 
With hand upraised 'gainst Deity, 
Had ate of the forbidden tree, 
And now advanced in knowledge far, 
Would soon commence eternal war, 
If Buffered to pursue this strife, 
And touch or taste the tree of life. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 



|fe |rfndful |(1ings. 

'^^ DREADFUL moment! man who fell, 

^^^ God's image ! now the child of hell, 

Lost ! Lost forever ! This his fate, 

Transcended hy his lost estate; 

A comrade of Jehovah — God, 

To sink beneath th' uplifted rod, 

T' exist in death yet never die 

Throughout a vast eternity; 

T' oppose the high and holy One — 

A race for woe, a race undone! 

Now Mercy weeps before the Throne, 

Bows low in grief, yet not alone. 

For Love ! Eternal love is there. 

In tears to offer up a prayer. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 



|lte Im 4 }}% 




HEN loud the mighty thunders roll, 
(^siP^ Grod must the creature man control, 
From dust he came, to dust must go, 
Or fight in unsuccessful woe. 
O mighty Gabriel ! take thy sword, 
Hear thou thy great Creator's word ; 
Place terror round the Tree of Life, 
And thus forestal th' eternal strife. 
'Twas done ! the mighty angel came. 
AYith flaming sword, in God's great name, 
And round that tree in flame and fire 
Eevealed the great Jehovah's ire. 
His burnished sword in vivid glare. 
Surrounds it — keeps it everywhere, 
From man's fell touch — Omnific God, 
Now holds o'er man his death-doom rod 



The Atonement Illustrated. 



Of terror ! Then he hides away, 
'Midst tliicliest trees, at close of day. 
Afraid! ashamed! whither flee, 
Thou helpless child of infamy. 



10 



The Atonement Illustrated. 



|fe Irand IJoimcil* 



^N^p OW, call a Council near my throne, 
^^^gjig) Let all my attributes be known, 
Each in his office, speak, and tell 
Your sentence on the pair that fell ; 
For whom fair Eden's vernal flowers. 
Its streams, and fruits, and shady bowers 
Were made, and fashioned, rich and rare, 
To make of them a happy pair. 
No pain, nor grief, nor woe was found, 
Ujion this consecrated ground ; 



® Note. — A council or agreement of parties mnst precede a 
covenant confirmed. In Gal. iii: 15 we read "that the Cove- 
:nant that was confirmed of God in Christ, the law which was 
four hundred and thirty years after can not disannul." Hence 
the decision of this Council established the Covenant of Grace 
upon an invulnerable basis, because it was confirmed of God. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 11 

Xor thorn nor briar entered there, 
To mar their peace, or list their care. 
Come Justice ! weigh the dreadful crime, 
Come Mercy! attribute divine, 
Come Light! that luminates the soul, 
Come Life ! that must pervade the whole ; 
Come Holiness ! with open face, 
Come Love ! and speak of hope and grace, 
Come Truth! thou pillar of my throne, 
Make this, thy great Grand Council known ! 
Thus spake Jehovah, from his throne, 
Th' Eternal Three, the Mighty One ! 



1 



12 The Atonement Illustrated. 



|M |ltni of |idicc. 

USTICE advauced with lifted sword, 
To Thee, O mighty God! adored, 
Belongs the honor of Thy law, 
For this, unsheathed, my sword I draw; 
To them Thou gavest Thy command. 
To them the beauteous Eden laud. 
To them all nature's glorious light, 
To them all majesty and might. 
Thou gavest unto them the skill 
To govern everything at will; 
Beasts of the field to them gave awe, 
Powls of the air their gIoi*y saw. 
And every living, creeijing thing. 
To them to name, the angels bring; 
They knew Thy stern, Thy dreadful law, 
Thy power and glory too they saw, 



The Atonement Illustrated. 13 

Then ruthless, with revengeful hand, 
They violate Thy great command. 
Xy sentence, then, the only one. 
As they are lost, destroyed, undone, 
I, Justice, claim that as they fell, 
They both must die, and sink to hell ! 
Then Justice waved his glittering sword. 
The Council bowed before the Jjord, 
The law was just, none could deny. 
That man had fallen — man must die. 



14 The Atonement Illustrated. 



e»1 



erciT 



'n pm fox ||mt. 




'hex MEECY rose, with radiant foce, 
^ With patient hope, and full of grace. 
I ask, O God ! around Thy throne, 
Where is my attribute made known? 
When great Apollyon did rebel, 
When myriad sinning angels fell, 
Then Thou wast Conqueror — Thou alone. 
But didst not make Thy mercy known. 
Then let me plead in Thy blest name 
Before tli' Eternal, burning flame, 
Will Thy great glory louder tell, 
vShould Thy fair image sink to hell. 
Is there no way that Thou canst be 
A God of mercy? O to Thee! 
All suppliant creatures bow and fear, 
Thy dreadful sentence, Lord to hear; 



The Atonement Illustrated. 15 

Then let me plead for sinful man, 
Thy stroke t' avert, a hope, a plan 
Of Mercy in his helpless case, 
A plea of Justice and of Grace. 
Thy Excellence must surely know, 
That untold millions, born to woe. 
Without one ray of hope must die, 
And sink in death eternally ! 
'Tis dreadful that a race must die, 
Yet live disgraced in infamy, 
Never Thy goodness Lord to know, 
Never to them Thy mercy show ! 
That they who by transgression fell. 
Should still augment the host of hell, 
Bring myriads to that dreadful place. 
Who never heard of hope or grace. 
Were born condemned to endless woe. 
Without their loill to make them so ; 
'Twas never so in heaven before, 
Who sinned, the penal sentence bore, 



16 The Atonement Illustrated. 

The twain who did Thy law disgrace, 

On them alone the sentence place ; 

For, Eternal ! can it be 

That babes that die, should never see 

The light of Thy bright azure throne, 

Must never know the Holy One? 

let me plead 'midst heaven's bright throng, 

To whom this spirit-race belong, 

When they shall die, the spirit bright, 

May dwell Avith us, in endless light. 

Can not the holy law abound. 

The infant saved — the lost be found? 

And still another plea I make, 

O look on man, for Mercy's sake. 

He was deceived ! the subtle foe, 

Laid deep the plan of mortal woe. 

Then shall he perish — always die? 

Himself and his posterity? 

Can not a God of boundless grace, 

The sin remove — the guilt efface, 



The Atonement Illustrated. 17 

And let the su2)pliant sinner live, 
Atonement make — the wrong forgive? 
Then Mercy bowed her radiant faee, 
Before th' Eternal throne of grace, 
The Council waved their palms, and then 
T;0ve whisj^ered audibly — Amen ! 



18 The Atonement Illustrated. 



felit'j) ||cclaiiaiion. 



■^JI^HEN LIGHT advanced before the throne, 
(^^^ To make his declaration known. 

great Eternal! Three in One, 
Apostate man is lost, undone, 
Nor can I iu his bondage see, 
A way for his recovery; 

From me he had all wisdom given. 
He could converse with me in heaven ; 
All knowledge of Thy will if sought, 

1 to his understanding brought. 
Was he deceived ? Apollyon, too, 
Thought he could fight rebellion through, 
Thou temptest none — Thy law was j^liiiii) 
If he partook, he must be slain. 

Was there a shadow iu Thy law'. 
That Justice would his sword withdra^v, 



The Atonement Illustrated. 19 

Or was the lying ScriJcnt's word 

More truthful than th' Eternal Lord? 

AVell may the imps of black despair 

Make loud ai:)peal8, bow low in prayer, 

If aught but equity should reign, 

If Thou shouldst not Thy law maintain. 

His soul is blackened by his sin, 

Corrupt without — depraved within, 

Lost to all equity — estray, 

A demon in a house of clay. 

His soul will riot 'gainst Thy will, 

Deceitful, treacherous, vicious, still 

A child of death, of j^ain and woe, 

A curse to all Thy works belov\\ 

Art Thou dishonored by Thy dust, 

With whom Thou didst Thine honor trust, 

Thou crown'st his head with glory's wreath, 

And now he 's dashed it far beneath 

His feet ! and tampers now with Thee, 

And hopes t' excuse his infamy. 



20 The Atonement Illustrated. 

Then can I utter to his praise, 
Or ask to lengthen out his days? 
No! hurl them down to endless night, 
Xor let them share one ray of light. 
If they would not Thy voice obey, 
In deepest darkness let them stay. 
When Orient Light had ceased to sj^eak, 
Love dropped a tear on Mercy's cheek. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 21 



Jfc'l |l«t for |nn. 

^^f^l^HEN LIFE, that vivifies the mind, 
^^^ Made his great plea for lost mankind. 
Great God! Thy power all creatures know. 
In heaven above, on earth below. 
Hence Life pervades all worlds around, 
Because Thy power and grace abound. 
The life I gave through Thy great plan, 
When breathed into the creature, man, 
Gave him the power Thyself to know. 
Gave him the power for w^eal or woe. 
His form was earthly, made of clay, 
A child of time, of night and day; 
He labored through the sunny hours, 
Then slept unconscious 'midst the bowers. 
Unlike the angels round Thy throne, 
Where all Thine attributes are knoAvn, 



22 The Atonement Illustrated. 

He lived on fruits, he dressed tlie ground . 
Where Eden's fragrant flowers abound. 
His soul Avas thus in fettered clay, 
O'erwhelmed by all the grand array, 
Of myriad beasts, of birds, of flowers. 
That filled the earth, the air, the bowers. 
To him Thou didst a helpmeet give. 
With him to toil, with him to live, 
For 'twas not good before Thy throne, 
That man should dwell on earth alone. 
To her his soul's afl'ections ran. 
With her his hopes of life began, 
She was to him his joy and life. 
His consort and his lawful wife. 
Then 'midst the garden, dressed with care, 
Where fragrance filled the cerulean air. 
The Tree of Life all glorious, bright, 
iShone like the queenly orb of night. 
There, near it, too, that wondrous Tree 
Of Knowledge ! they could plainly see, 



The Atonement Illustrated. 23 

Its foliage and its flowers so fair, 
And sweet, attractive fruits were there 
To make one wise ! to understand 
The nature of God's high command. 
But on that strange, deceptive tree, 
They could in God's handwriting see, 
•' This fruit brings j^ain and dark despair, 
Taste not, for death is hidden there ! " 
Thus daj'S and years in Thine employ, 
They dressed this Eden field with joy, 
Reared sons and daughters to Thj^ name, 
The "Sons of God" of Orient fame. 
But here comes one of serpent skill. 
Some marvelous mission to fulfill. 
He tells the woman that this tree 
Will make them wise as Deity; 
AVill ope their eyes the good to know. 
And make them gods on earth below. 
"What was his mission, who could tell? 
Till they had ate the fruit and fell. 



24 The Atonement Illustrated. 

'Twas only by assumption fViir, 
The tempter lured this happy pair; 
'Twas through this subtle, lying" wa}', 
He did destroy this house of clay. 
But man's immortal, conscious soul, 
Will live %yhile ceaseless ages roll, 
And, though the sentence, he must die. 
Brings death to his posterity. 
And drapes the soul in endless grief, 
From which the Law brings no relief, 
Yet Thy great Law, which Justice gave, 
Can be fulfilled, for God can save. 
Yea, more ! I see thro' Thy great name, 
Mercy may life to man proclaim. 
And life, eternal life abound, 
The soul redeemed — salvation found. 
'Tis Thine, O great Eternal Power ! 
To re-create this fallen flower ; 
It can be done, then, O what love 
Will swell the notes of praise above ! 



The Atonement Illustrated. 

"Will echo through the vaulted skies, 
Will to the King of glory rise. 
Then Life, with modest grace, alone 
Bowed low before the burning throne, 
While Love and Mercy hopeful said, 
Our God can raise the sleeping dead. 
3 



2G The Atonement Illustrated. 



'Itij miiX of liolincss. 



^ji^HEX HOLINESS, with open fece, 
&^^^ Appeared before the throne of grace 
I bow before Thy radiant throne, 
For Thou art great, and great alone. 
And Holiness belongs to Thee, 
G-reat God ! throughout eternity. 
What can a sinner ask of me? 
For, O 'twould be impunity 
If aught but Holiness I claimed, 
"When Thy great law has been defamed. 
They fell ! then death, the forfeiture 
They must receive — they must endure- 
I must to them the tidings bear, 
Sin sinks the sinning in despair. 
Thy law was holy, just and good, 
Its penalty they understood, 
" That God hath said we'll surely die 
If we partake, we can't deny." 



The Atonement Illustrated. 27 

'Tis plain to all the Council, true, 
That this great end God had in view ; 
When first the law was uttered there, 
When first appeared this happy pair. 
That they might know His sovereign will, 
And all His purposes fulfill, 
One great command, one stern decree, 
Should test their souls' fidelity; 
They understood the sentence well. 
Before they ate the fruit and fell. 
Nor less could great Jehovah do, 
For He is holy, just and true. 
Than firm maintain His stern decree, 
AVho breaks my law condemned must be. 
Man knows his sin, his guilt and shame. 
He trembles at Thy dreadful name ; 
Polluted, overwhelmed in woe, 
Where can the wretched creature go? 
'No law for sin can e'er atone. 
No sacrifice is yet made known, 



28 The Atonement Illustrated. 

Whereby the guilty soul can live, 

Or God be just, and still forgive. 

If there could be a throne of grace, 

A sacrifice for Adam's race, 

ISTone Avould exult so much as I, 

]!Srone louder Abba, Father, cry. 

But Holiness must have his claim. 

From age to age Thou art the same, 

Eternal, Uncreated Three ! 

The doom of man must come from Thee. 

Amidst the angels round Thy throne, 

There's none that can for sin atone ; 

There's none that can his spirit save, 

Or raise his body from the grave. 

But let me ask Thy grace for man, 

For who can open up the jDlan — 

Can Justice smite the infant race ; 

Can Light point out the time and place 

When they in sinning did rebel. 

Why they should sink to death and hell? 



, The Atonement Illustrated. 29 

Then let one thought for them be given, 

A way of life, a hoj^e of heaven, 

For Holiness can not abound, 

And 2^^^iiisli where no sin is found. 

That they are fallen all agree. 

That sin brings death and misery; 

But can I leave them in despair? 

]S"or offer np for them a prayer? 

But silent let them sink in grief, 

Since I can offer no relief? 

O no! I ask, God, of Thee! 

A way for their recovery. 

When Holiness had made his plea, 

A halo covered Deity; 

And bright th' Eternal Scepter shone. 

As clouds of incense filled the throne, 

The Council now, with solemn awe, 

The Archetypal Saviour saw 

The wondrous King! the Mighty One! 

The great High Priest ! God's only Son. 



30 The Atonement Illustrated. 



lout's |kt for l^mt. 



fl^^ 






HEN LOVE, disinterested Love! 
Celestial radiance, Heavenly Dove ! 
For man appeared before the throne, 
To make God's "wondrous purj)ose known. 
In God all love and goodness dwells, 
This all His works of wonder tells, 
For since the highest dust was laid, 
Thou hast for man provision made. 
His form was fashioned by Thy skill. 
To honor Thee, to do Thy will; 
There was no poAver in finite man. 
To thwart the great Jehovah's plan. 
Thou mad'st him man, then he could be 
A holy being, sinless, free 
From all the ills of mortal woe, 
From every subtle, artful foe. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 31 

Thus having power to worship Thee, 
That power reversed was infamy ; 
He chose the hitter, chose to fall, 
And lose his home, his life, his all. 
But will his foil forever be? 
O God! will this dishonor Thee? 
Since Thou in knowledge infinite, 
Can counteract the witherinir blight. 
Can raise fi-om death a child of God, 
And spread Thy love and grace abroad. 
And make Thy great Salvation known, 
And glorify Thyself alone. 
'Tis mine to show the wondrous plan,. 
B}' which the sinful creature, man, 
Can of the Tree of Life partake. 
Or who the great atonement make. 
Tiiat man may have probation given, 
T' escape from death and rise to heaven, 
A Saviour clothed with power must go, 
And drink the cuj) of mortal w^oe. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 

He must in nature be divine, 

In Him resj^lenclent glories shine; 

He must be man, to represent 

The banished and the banishment. 

He must have power to raise the dead, 

To save the soul that God hath made, 

The power to speak man's sins forgiven. 

To sanctify the soul for heaven. 

Then He must suffer in their stead, 

Must bruise the lying serpent's head. 

Must conquer death, must ope the grave, 

Must manumit the fettered slave ; 

He must a crown and Kingdom gain, 

Must break the -conquering tyrant's chain. 

The second Adam He must be, 

His j)eople's rock, their surety. 

Their righteousness, their mighty Lord 

Their Saviour and their great reward. 

Then His bright garments they must wear. 

Must offer up to Him their prayer 



The Atonement Illustrated. 33 

Must all things for His name forsake, 
And of Ilis life by faith partake ; 
And He in them must dwell alone, 
Their spirits hide, their sins atone. 
AVtio then for man will undertake — 
Who can the great atonement make ? 
There is a "Book"* in Thy right hand. 
In which is written Thy command. 
No angel dares to break the seals. 
Or tell what that strange Book reveals. 
No ! in it lies the glorious plan, 
The hope, and joy, and life of man; 
The way from earth to glories bright, 
The path from darkness up to light. 
Now, Lord, Thy marvelous work reveal, 
Nor from this Council still conceal. 
Thy thoughts of love for man displayed, 
The plan Thy matchless mind surveyed. 

*See Rev. v: 1 — 5. 



34 The Atonement Illustrated. 

All things on eartli for man were made, 

All light and darkness, sun and shade, 

All oceans, torrents, rivers, rills, 

All mountains, valleys, plains and hills, 

All mines of gold and precious stone. 

Were made for man, and man alone. 

Thus earth was fashioned by Thy skill. 

That man Thy purpose might fulfill. 

Deep in the earth are treasures rare, 

Which Thy great mind has hidden there 

Man will these hidden treasures find. 

Will thus reveal Thy wondrous mind. 

His great inventive power will show, 

What Thou hast thought, what Thou didst know 

What harmony, what power and fame, 

Surrounds the great Creator's name. 

He can the earth adorn, subdue^ 

Bring all its hidden powers to view, 

Reveal the great Creator — God, 

And widely spread Thy name abroad. 



The Atonement Illustrated. 

But if he can not be forgiven, 

Can nevci' know the way to heaven, 

Born hnt to live in infamy, 

Could he reveal Thy majesty; 

Could he those hidden treasures bring 

That glorify th' Eternal King ? 

Xo ! all is lost that Thou hast made, 

If man's great debt can not be paid ! 

When Love had ceased to speak of grace, 

And in the Council took her place. 

Resplendent glory was revealed, 

Eound Him who held the Book that's sealed, 

MelcMsedeh was whispered there. 

He will the way of life prejiare, 

He will prevail to break the seal, 

Eternal life and hope reveal. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



yif^HEX TEUTH, the pillar of God's tliroue, 

(^^^^ Made man's redemption fully known. 

O great Jehovah ! mighty God ! 

To me 'tis given to spread abroad 

Thy marvelous work of Life and Love, 

The fountain from Thy throne above. 

Thou lovest truth, and truth alone, 

Hence to appear before Thy throne, 

The sinner must Thy Word believe. 

Thy sanctifying truth receive. 

Faith in Thy name alone can save. 

For truth Thy faithful promise gave; 

Then to believers truth can say, 

Thou art the only living way. 

But ere my proclamation's sent, 

To bring the soul from banishment, 



The Atonement Archetypal. 37 

The great atonement must be made, 

The archetypal ransom paid. 

Justice and Holiness must see, 

The sacrificial mystery, 

And Light, Eternal Light abound, 

Where darkness never can he found. 

Then Life, if endless life he given, 

To raise the soul from earth to heaven. 

He must in harmony divine, 

With Love and Mercy always shine. 

The "Word" made flesh, Eternal Three, 

Must live in man's humanity. 

Must drink the bitterest dregs of woe. 

Must weep as mortals weep below. 

Thou must be shrouded in the clay. 

Be tempted, tried, a castaway, 

All infamy and shame endure. 

Still living pei'fect, sinless, pure, 

Man's perfect pattern Thou must be. 

His exaltation comes from Thee ; 



3 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Then let us pause and look to Thee ! 
O mighty God ! O wondrous Three. 
The Council rose before the throne, 
They saw the bright, celestial One ! 
Rise from the throne of Deity, 
The Son of God, eternally ! 
His form was MAN of radiant light, 
Clothed with a robe of sj)otless Avhite. 
The Lamb of God ! the Priest and King ! 
^ow gives Himself an offering ! 



The Atonement Archetypal. 39 



^ f'M f^(^' 



^^^^IIJW'lIEY pause with awe ! the Lamb of God 

(g|gT|^ Appears beneath th' uplifted rod, 

O God I come to do Th}- will! 

Thy Law and purpose to fulfill. 

Then loud a voice before the Throne, 

Cries, "Justice smite the Holy One! 

Xor spare the Lamb for sinners slain, 

God's Justice and His Law maintain ! " 

I^et rivers deep of anguish roll. 

Let sorrow till the Saviour's soul, 

O let the Second Adam see, 

The bitterest dregs of misery. 

S[)are not the well beloved Son ! 

Let Him the wine-press tread alone ! 

O bare His breast to grief and pain! 

O let Him upon the Cross be slain ! 



40 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Let hate from them for whom He dies, 

Make this a wondrous sacrifice ; 

Let soldiers j)ierce the Saviour's side, 

Even those for whom the Saviour died ! 

Nay, more ! Come Light and pierce Him now ! 

To thy stern mandate He must bow ! 

And through His wounded side reveal, 

The fount that can the sinner heal. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 41 



l^e ^aciiificial |roioinpe. 



^^P^IIEN JUSTICE smote the Holy One! 
^^§ The archetype is God's dear Son. 
Light raised his burnished, pointed dart, 
And pierced the great Eedeemer's heart! 
Then sprinkling over the burning throne, 
This Archetypal blood! alone- 
Applied, from sin the soul makes free. 
And fits it Lord to dwell with Thee. 
And now, O Fountain, ceaseless Spring 
From out the throne of heaven's Great King 
Proceed! A river deep and wide, 
Dividing by its ceaseless tide — 
The stream of death ! On either shore. 
Thy fears and terrors now are o'er. 
Celestial Fount! now man through Thee, 

May dwell in blest Eternity. 
4 



42 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Then through the Saviour's wounded side, 
Flowed forth a fountain deej) and wide, 
The law is holy, just and good. 
And man is saved through Jesus' hlood. 
Behold ! He takes the Mercy Seat, 
The covenant types are now complete. 
The Great Atonement now is made, 
The Archetypal ransom paid. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 43 



IM fiw^iJ ^«^(^ m^' 



I^^I^HEN from the bright Celestial Throne, 
(^^^ The voice of God is widely known. 
In loud acchiim, O host attend! 
The Type and Antitype I blend 
In one. The Covenant now revealed, 
*Is to His human body sealed. 
In promise made to fallen clay, 
AYhich I will raise to endless day. 
Pour thousand years ! Grand Council hear ! 
Then near to Calvary's brow appear, 
Witness His human anguish there, 
O listen to His dying prayer 
Unmoved! amidst His plaintive cries! 
This is God's ffreat Sacrifice. 



•:•;- NoTK. — Here is the great Seal of the Everlasting Covenant, 
made through the Archetypal Saviour before the world began. 



44 The Atonement Archetypal. 

In fullness of this promise, He 
Will bleed and die on Calvary, 
While nails and sjDear His body tear, 
He'll make the perfect offering there ; 
Rise from the dead and ope the grave. 
The man redeem the sinner save. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 45 



Iltc lionig of l^edempilon. 

WfoW Mercy, Truth, Light, Life and Love, 
f^® Shout man's redemption from above, 
Each wave their Palms of glory high, 
The Council Abba, Father, cry. 
I'll look on Jesus, Justice said, 
For man is sinful, lost and dead, 
Who looks to Ilim in faith and love, 
I'll welcome to the heaven above; 
And all who through the Saviour come, 
Are welcome to this glorious home. 
I'm satisfied, said Holiness, 
Man may partake of heavenly grace, 
Yea, that frail tenement of clay, 
Jesus can raise to endless day. 
As trophies of redemption bring, 
And glorify th' Eternal King. 



46 The Atonement Archetypal. 

I can illume the soul, Raid Light, 

Can chase away the shades of night, 

Can open up the living way. 

To brighter realms, to glorious day. 

"Now I can Life Eternal give. 

Can bid the dying sinner live, 

Can break the conquering tyrant's chain, 

And bring the wanderer home again ; 

I, Life, can raise the sleeping dead 

And o'er the grave a halo shed. 

Now Mercy, Truth and Love unite. 

In songs of praise and sweet delight, 

All glory to th' Almighty Three, 

'Tis heaven's eternal jubilee. 



Then God the Father, God the Son, 
And God the Spirit, Three in One, 
Proclaimed to all around the Throne, 
Go make my great Salvation known ; 



The Atonement Archetypal. 47 

I'll Deify the human clay, 
And raise it up to endless day. 
Now let the ftitted calf he killed, 
My law in man has been fulfilled. 
Worship my Son, ye angels bright, 
Eejoice in Him, ye sons of light; 
Let songs and praises loud arise. 
Through all the courts of Paradise, 
The Temple's veil is rent in twain. 
Behold! the Lamb for sinners slain. 
Then this Grand Council all unite. 
On Golden Harps, in glory bright, 
To praise in song the wondrous Three, 
For fallen man's recovery. 



•18 The Atonement Archetypal. 



titc |lrotllt)al M\\ and lirotluni. 

'HEOUGH JESUS, see the wasteful Son, 
(5^^^ Who had by siu himself undone, 
Now made alive, the lost is found, 
Let merry hearts in heaven abound. 
A ring upon his finger jilace. 
Let him receive atoning grace, 
On him bestow a father's care, 
Let him the robe of glory wear. 
Thus while this Council, all divine. 
Loud anthems shout through heaven's broad clime, 
A host of angels gather round. 
Alert to hear the joyful sound 
Of music rich with mirthful glee, 
So near the throne of Deity. 
" O Mercy ! holy cherub tell, 
Why these loud notes of music swell, 



The Atonement Archetypal. 49 

In echoing strains of life and hope, 

To angel minds a polyscope. 

What visitant in God's bright fane, 

Does this Grand Concert entertain? 

Come answer now, O tell to me 

The cause of this great jubilee ! " 

So spake th' Archangel of the Host, 

To one wdio loved the Saviour most. 

Thy Brother ! O th}' brotlier 's couk^ ! 

Thy Father saw him lost, undone! 

He loved him, to his rescue ran, 

Embraced him in a glorious plan, 

Of Hojje, of Mercy, and of Love, 

And now exalted ftir above 

The angels ! who around the throne, 

Have e'er • obeyed all orders known. 

Tis strange, th' Archangel loudly cried', 

Tis strange, indeed, the host replied. 

No merry song for us begun, 

When we the dreadful battle won ; 
5 



50 The Atonement Archetypal. 

When great ApoUyon's host rehelled, 
When we the great rebellion quelled. 
Then sadly turned this eldest Son, 
From those who praised th' Incarnate one 

*■'! can not enter there and see, 
That Prodigal of infamy, 
And shout God's praises o'er his name, 
When he has lived in sin and shame." 

" Did he not fall as angels fell ? 
Was he not then the child of hell? 
Did he not with the demons join, 
To waste his substance — feed the swine? 
Alas ! alas ! all joy has fled, 
For this, my brother once, is dead 
In sin ! nor can he cleanse the stain, 
Or heaven's immortal shore regain." 



"•■•Notj:. — "He was angry and would not go in, and his father 
came out and entreated hiin." 

The anger here spoken of did not imply a passion of hate or 
malice, but that of surprise and disappointment. This is plainly 
implied by the term "entreated him." See Luke xv: 32. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 51 

Hark! listen! O ye heavenly host! 

Is not this glory Thine at most? 

All heaven is Thine, then what more 

Can fill your undiminished store? 

Am. I a Father? then to me 

A child may look, in misery, 

And ask a father's tender care, 

May seek in penitential prayer 

To be restored. Then if I choose, 

Should heaven's bright loving host refuse. 

To recognize ray right in this, 

My son to meet, my son to kiss? 



52 The Atonement Archetypal. 



e(lfm|!tion p|Iainc(I. 




thy younger brother fell; 

5tly, too, he sank to hell ! 
But when ti race of sjiirit mind, 
By procreation through mankind, 
Would still augment the demon crew. 
Who my contempt and thunders drew, 
And joyful they o'er millions slain, 
On whom no voluntary stain 
Of sin per f-c, to make them so, 
We could not their just claim forego; 
We did for them provide a way, 
From darkness up to brighter day. 
Then, dearest Son thou art with me 
Forever ! All I have to Thee 
I give, for all of heaven is Thine ; 
Then with us in devotion join, 



The Atonement Archetypal. 53 

For one of us has deigned to dwell 
In that dear human form that fell ! 
O look toward the throne and see, 
Th' Incarnate form of Deity! 

^ 5i* Jji iji ^ ^i 

Then Jesns rose in matchless love 
And recognized the host above, 
Each joined in praise with loud acclaim, 
To Him, the Lamb for sinners slain ! 
And thus to millions round the throne. 
He made the great Atonement known. 

^ ^ ;[; :^ ^ ^ I: 

But now a wonder doth arise. 
Throughout the courts of Paradise, 
To which the angels anxious look, 
As Christ unseals that Mystic Book. 
How can He ! whispering angels say. 
How can He open up the way, 
And make His archetypal blood 
A healinc: fount — a cleansing flood ? 



54 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Come near, bright angels ! near my throne, 

I'll make to you this mysterj' known : 

Can you not in my essence see 

The TYPE of man's humanity? 

This type I can personify, 

My human form for man must die, 

I'll make this type the sacrifice, 

Till on the Cross my body dies. 

I'll institute for fallen man, 

A Sinaitic, woudrous jDlan, 

Unfold through shadows, plain to sec. 

And Priest t' atone through prayer to Me. 

The Lamb shall evermore remain, 

An emblem of my body slain ; 

Slain by the Priest, for sin it dies. 

By faith, a cleansing sacrifice. 

This tyjDc no law can e'er reveal. 

But faith can break the mystic seal, 

And to the soul within declare, 

God hears the penitential prayer. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 55 

Then through the offering they will see, 
The great Atonement made by me. 
Come angels hear God's only Son, 
Hear what my sacrifice has done. 
For all of Adam's fallen race, 
In every age, in every place. 
To all who die in childhood's morn. 
They shall my glorious throne adorn. 
Receive them through atoning grace. 
And bring them to this happy place. 
They're mine — the jewels of my love, 
Entitled to my home above. 
Then to repenteut sinners — hear! 
Who humbly bow in hope and fear, 
Who take my easy yoke will find 
Salvation through th' Eternal Mind. 
To such, near to the "river" stand. 
Show them the heavenly Canaan land. 
Receive them clothed in robes of white, 
The heirs of God ! the sons of Light ! 



56 The Atonement Archetypal. 

These are the Prodigal restored, 

The sons and daughters of the Lord. 

In Royal Highness they shall stand, 

Before my throne in high command. 

All clothed in garments white as snow! 

The Royalty! from earth below. 

Bnt he who spurns my bleeding side 

To him there is no cleansing tide, 

That can avail in death's dark hour, 

He's lost beyond th' atoning power, 

If he will not my voice obey, 

He must at death be east awa}'. 

Thus angels knew God's wondrous plan, 

And sacrifice He made for man. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



Mam'fj Jpiuuell to ftlcn. 

ii'/^OW ADAM learns liis awful state, 



^^)® lie sees at Eden's eastern gate, 
The flaming sword in fearful glare, 
Around Life's tree that's blooming there. 

'^O Tree of Life ! farewell, ftirewell ! 
jSTo more can I in Eden dwell ! 
No longer dress my beauteous home, 
But alien -like forever roam. 
Why did I let the tempter's power, 

(Ingrate! ah, lost! delusive hour). 
Control my will — why did I eat ? 
And at the lying serpent's feet. 
Fall prone, a captive, lost, undone ! 
O hide me yonder setting sun, 
From wrath of God f I fear to sta}^, 
I'm naked! guilty! east away! 
With thorns and thistles I must dwell, 
Return to dust — must sink to hell 



58 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Unwept ! O Mercy, hear my cry ! 
O cast on me a pitj'ing eye ! " 
Then Jesus hears their pLiintive cry, 
He's near them — calls them — asks them why 
They touched or tasted that strange fruit, 
Which did their natures quite imbrute. 
And lost them Eden's blissful j^lace. 
And overwhelmed them in disgrace. 
He clothed them wp, then led the way 
Far eastward, where the twain miglit stay. 

ili ^,i ^ ^ i^ ii: iff. 

But o'er this wreck of mortal life, 
Beyond its toils, its pains, its strife, 
Loom up in grandeur far away, 
A hojDe of heaven's immortal day, 
A jjromise Jesus makes to man, 
As He unfolds the wondrous plan. 
Accepts all offerings in His name, 
And takes away the creature's shame. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



59 



1^^^* |on| of |o(I. 




OAV look on earth, O look and see ! 
^ A host still siuless, pure and free; 
They take of Life's fair tree below, 
To them the " sword " no terrors show. 
Who are these " Sons of G-od " we see, 
The sinless of humanity? 
These are the first of Adam's race. 
Who had not sinned, who kept their jDlace, 
Whose pitying looks from day to day. 
Their parents see and turn away. 
Thus scattered o'er the earth abroad, 
These sons of light, these sons of God 
In multiplying numbers grow, 
Ilcnowned and groat on earth below 



60 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Their form the same as they who fell 
In Eden — still they sinless dwell, 
Tlie sons of God from suffering free, 
They can the great Jehovah see. 
Then God commands this host t' appear. 
Come all ye sons and daughters near, 
O hear this order, hear for life ! 
*Thou shalt not take to thee a wife 



■•••\NoTE. — It is not only implied in the Holy Scriptures that 
marriage was interdicted between the two races (the Sons of 
God and the Sons of Men), but reason itself would clearly 
show it to be necessary, because it must involve a posterity of 
sinners. "Can a fig-tree, my brethren, bear oliveberries, either 
a vine figs? So can no fountain both yield salt-water and 
fresh." Jas. iii: 12. 

Nor could the pure in nature contract wedlock with the fallen 
in nature without sin; this could not be true were both parties 
by nature unholy. "And the woman which hath a husband 
that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let 
her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified 
by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the hus- 
band else were your children unclean, but now are they holy.'' 
1 Cor. vii: 13, 14. 

But here we have two distinct natures, separated of God, 
Adam being cast out of Eden, therefore to unite these natures, 
would involve the consequences of transgression in each alike. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 61 

Of those who ate the fruit and fell ! 
AVho eastward now of Eden dwell. 
Mark my command, obey my will, 
M3- law and purpose now fulfill ; 
For should j^ou sin against this light 
You. too, shall sink in endless night. 



62 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



|ltc Jon^^ of Hen. 



^Rf^HEN ABEL, first of fallen man. 
(^^^^ Accepts the great atoning jilan. 
And oifers up his firstlings there, 
While God accepts his suppliant praAcr. 
Then Cain, the murderer, feels the rod. 
Of his Supreme Creator — God, 
Is cursed on earth, a fugitive 
In sin and infamy to live. 
O God ! he cries in awful woe. 
Who finds me 'midst the host below. 
Will take my life, will hunt me tliero. 
The curse is more than I can hear. 
Then God announced in stern decree 
Which all on earth could plainly see, 
Who killeth Cain the fratricide, 
On him a sevenfold curse abide. 



The Atonement Akciietypal. G3 

Then men in mighty numbers grew, 

As untold ages rapid flew, 

Tliey marry daughters who till then, 

Were not engulfed in Adam's sin. 

The Sons of God, above disgrace, 

Look on the fair of Adam's race. 

Take wives of them 'gainst God"s decree, 

And sink with them in infamy; 

Thus mortal sin was Avondrous, great, 

The thoughts of man were thoughts of hate, 

Till God in sorrow saw the M\ 

Had triumphed o'er and ruined all ! 

God looked o'er earth but could not see, 

A man who dared to taste Life's Tree ; 

For all had mixed with Adam's race. 

For all had sinned in every place. 

Then, what crimes on earth were found ! 

In every place the very ground 

Cried out to God ! for Justice's sword 

To cleanse the earth before the Lord. 



64 The Atonemknt Archetypal. 

Man's sin is great ! Jehovah cries, 
My wrath and sentence tills the skies, 
Six score of years and I'll fulfill 
The dreadful sentence 'of my will ; 
111 rid the earth of such a race, 
By tiood ! unless they seek my face. 
T^hen N^oah bowed before the Lord, 
Loved His commands, obeyed His word, 
Found grace in Jesus' pardoning blood, 
And made the Ark t' escape the tiood. 



The Atonement AiiciiEXYrAL. 



05 



|ltt[ |elu(jc. 



^IjiWlIE storm begins! the rain descends, 

(5^^^ The torrent with the river blends 

In one vast sea, the rising tide, 

Leaps over valleys long and wide, 

While terror wild pervades the jjlain, 

As thousands hasten through the rain, 

To some vast mountain top, to stay 

Till clouds and storms liave passed away. 

But fountains deep, by God's command. 

Sweep through the forest, o'er the laud, 

In awful rage! Ah, sinful race, 

They've spurned God's mercy and His grace. 

The beasts that o'er the forests roam. 

Now sink in universal gloom, 

The swelling floods all flesh behold, 

How useless palaces or gold, 
6 



66 The Atonement Archetypal. 

Men cling to tree-tops in the storm, 
From evening shades to earl}' morn ; 
The mother holds her ofFsjiring high 
Above the waves ! O hear her cry 
To God for help! Alas! the day 
Of man's probation's passed away ; 
Bereft ! at length she sinks away, 
And wavelets hide this house of clay. 
Still on ! the floods are rising still, 
The vale submerged, and now the hill, 
And further on ! the mountain top, 
The rising billows fail to stop. 
Now forty days have passed and gone, 
The waves still roll their terrors on ; 
To all but God's elected few, 
Shut in the Ark from mortal view, 
They safe from rain, or wave, or tide, 
O'er the vast waste of waters ride. 
Then o'er life's wreck, from shore to shore. 
The voice of man is heard no more. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 67 

Unbounded desolation reigns, 
O'er mountains, valleys, hills and plains. 
But Noah, God in mercy knew, 
Eight living souls, the covenant few, 
He holds His gracious Scepter there. 
Accepts their morn and evening prayer. 
Then in His promise they rejoice, 
Believe His word, obey His voice, 
Life's tree from earth is swept away. 
But still in realms of endless day, 
It blossoms there by faith for man. 
In God's Eternal Covenant plan. 



68 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



:|o(l\^ m\v of :mm\Bi[, 




HE AEK has rested now, and lo ! 
They see the mystic circling bow, 
Spread o'er the heavens in promise bright, 
Its tinted hues of varied light, 
And colors shaded, mixed and fair, 
Are intermingled in the air. 
My Bow ! the rainbow in the cloud, 
My covenant jDromise utters loud, 
With thee I make a pledge of grace. 
To eveiy age — to all the race. 
I'll ne'er destroy this earth again, 
By waves or waste, b}^ floods or rain, 
But grant th' appointed heat and cold, 
As in quotidian times of old. 
Eejoice, O earth ! a glorious Star ! 
Of promise to the race — afar 



The Atonement Archetypal. 69 

Its mystic shrine, in Jesus' blood, 
Is universal as the flood. 
O'er earth it spreads its light abroad, 
And centers in a Covenant God. 
Then leave the Ark, the earth adorn, 
My promise surely I'll perform, 
Seed-time and harvest I will give, 
Go sow in hope — go reap and live. 



70 The Atonement Archetypal. 



Hclcliificdcli, lyrist ifrsonififd 

YTITW HEN OK ! from age to age the same, 
(5^^^ From Sliiloh God's commandment came, 
He talks with man as side by side, 
In various forms personified. 
Thus Abram met fair Salem's King, 
And made to Him an offering. 
The less was by the better blest 
^Melchisedek, th' atoning Priest. 
'Twas through Him that the Prophet's word, 
Became the mandate of the Lord, 



* Note. — The reader •will readily acquiesce in the rendering 
of the Poem in reference to Mclchisedek, when he takes into 
consideration, 

F'ust. That He was Priest of the Most High God when He 
met Abraham (Gen. xiv: 18), and that Abraham gave Him 
one-tenth of his substance as tithes or offerings. 

Seco7id. That His titles and genealogy correspond with that 
of the Archetypal Christ. Heb. vii: 1, 2, 3. He is styled "King 
of Peace." So is Christ King of Eighteonsness, "Priest of the 



The Atonement Archetypal. 

'Twas through Him holy men of old, 
The true Messiahship foretold. 
Through every type the Shiloh gave, 
Through it God could the sinner save; 
E'en goats, personified in prayer, 
Could sinful man's transgression bear, 
And faith in Shiloh yet to come, 
Spake out in bush though bush was dumb. 
This was the plan — a vastly scope. 
The Rock of Ages, Israel's hope, 
Th' atonement made for Adam's race, 
Eevealed through God's atoning grace. 



Most High God;" "Like unto the Son of God," or like the 
auman form He would assume. 

"Without father," this proves the Eternal Sonship of Christ. 

"Without mother," before human relationship existed. 

"Without descent," the Eternal Word of God. Christ Per- 
sonified. 

I humbly ask the reader to compare this view of the char- 
acter of Melchisedek with the Holy Scriptures, which is our 
only guide to truth, other men's opinions to the contrary not- 
withstanding. 



The Atonement Archetypal. 



y f^n pw^^^^m- 



§UT hasten on, ye wheels of time, 
Through types and shadows most sublime. 
Bring nearer, bring the glorious day, 
When types and shadows flee away. 
Assume the flesh for sinful man, 
Th' Almighty, consubstantial planj 
Come Deify this house of clay. 
Thy mighty human scepter sway, 
Till o'er the earth Thy glories spread, 
Till thou shalt raise the slumbering dead, 
For none on earth of all its slain, 
The resurrection can attain. 
Till thou shalt suff'er in their stead, 
And raise from earth the sleeping dead, 



The Atonement AiiciiETYrAL. 



Shalt take the keys of death away, 

And open up eternal day; 

Shalt chain the conquerer, free the soul, 

The powers of death and hell control, 

The captive lead, O wondrous King ! 

And home to God Thy trophies bring. 
7 



THE COVENANT FULFILLED. 



I» A. K T II. 

Yfflf^ ilE vista j)ast ! the types withdrawn, 
(3^^^ Tlie night is o'er, 'tis morning dawn, 
Incarnate form, from heaven away, 
And God unfold in human clay. 

:{; ^ ^ ^ ^ :f: 

Mysterious work ! Conception given ! 

Spirit Most High! The God of heaven 

Personified in human kind ! 

Th' Eternal, Uncreated Mind ! 

Man's passive nature mute and still. 

Obeys the great Creator's will, 

While overshadowing glory, mild ! 

Produced for man th' Immanuel child. 

(75) 



7G The Atonement Ultima-thule. 




th %m of mA§. 



HEIST o'er Judea's midnight plains, 
On angel notes, in angel strains, 
Immortal anthems loud arise, 
And fill with praise the vaulted skies. 
Shepherds awake ! to seraph song ! 
Good news to you, and peace belong, 
Glad tidings of great joy we bring, 
For unto you is born a King! 
Go ! go to Bethlehem, go and see, 
Th' incarnate form of Deity ! 
Then loud the echoing anthems rise. 
Celestial songsters fill the skies. 
The angels spread their pinions high, 
And shouts of glory fill the sky. 



The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 77 

Now Star of Bethlehem arise! 
To lead the 'great, to guide the wise! 
Bring myrrh and incense from afar, 
To Him who guides the Eastern star, 
Bow low before God's only Son, 
For this is God's anointed One! 



While songs the seraph notes emi^loy, 
The honored Mary clasps with joy 
Her Child! the promised Son of God! 
Obscure His birth, yet flir abroad, 
His advent hailed by holy men. 
Who moved the prototypic pen 
For God! who told in ages past, 
His Glory would forever last, 
Till tides and seasons cease to roll, 
Till floods of glory fill the soul. 
Seraphic choir! swell the song, 
The nations now to Christ belong, 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 

And death must e'en obey His word, 
Man's adjuvant is Christ the Lord 

rjC ^ ^ji ^ ^C ^iC ^ 

The Avorks and deeds of God's dear Son, 
Are through His Yolume widely known. 
Till on that night of grief untold, 
The suffering Saviour we behold. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 



|jt([ Mcrificial mi\\kt 




IIAT cup ! O Father can it be, 
ei,\a^/ay That I these dregs of infamy 
Must drink? Still let Thy will be done, 
The wine-press-!^ I must tread alone. 
Then cries a voice before the Throne, 
Council attend ! to us make known, 
God's great decree for man displayed! 
And how th' atoning plan was laid. 
Jesus must die ! the Council cried. 
Must on the cross be crucified, 
His prayer can not admitted be, 
Sin's deepest sorrow He must see. 
Then let us to His cross repair, 
And witness His deep anguish there, 



*See Kev. six: 11— Ifl. 



80 The Atonement Ultima-thlle. 

He must the covenant pledge fulfill, 
Must make a Testament — a will, 
And die! (O mercy cease to weep!) 
Must die and with his peoi^le sleep, 
That they may on Ilis bosom rest, 
And with Him wake among the blest. 

Note. — The Sacrifice of the body of Jesus effected only to 
destroy the power of death, and open up the way through death 
to the resurrection. The saints of preterlapsed ages entered 
heaven througli the Archetypal Sacrifice, but were resurrected 
through the human sacrifice. " He was tlic first fruits of them 
that slept." ' 

Hence by the sealing of the archetypal nature of Christ with 
the human nature, our sins and transgressions can obtain re- 
mission through His blood, and secure a complete redemption 
when raised like unto His glorious body. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 81 



JRI^HEN awful wonder fills the skies, 

(5^^^ Transfixed the great Eedeemer dies, 

Light threw a shadow o'er the sun, 

As Jesus cried, my work is done. 

The Council stood amazed with awe I 

Justice the great atonement saw, 

Then with his sword he rent in twain, 

The Temple's A^eil on Jewry's plain. 

Life rent the rocks from shore to shore. 

For death shall triumph now no more; 

And Holiness triumphant said, 

The Son of God shall raise the dead ! 

Truth said a bone they shall not break, 

Joseph can now the body take ; 
Let Love and Mercy stay, and see 

This body taken from the tree, 



82 The Atonement Ultima-thule. 

And buried in the chamber where 
God's promised rich man* shall jn-epare. 
Thus, these two messengers divine, 
Made tliis dark scpulcher to shine, 
Till God's appointed morning rose, 
And Jesus conquered all His foes. 

Note. — That the Son of God should be attended bj the highest 
order of intelligence in His last great great Sacrifice, would 
appear self-evident. Luke xxiv. 4, speaks of two persons in 
shining garments. Love and Mercy being the more immediate 
■attributes of Deitj'^, connected with the plan of redemption, they 
are chosen to assist Him through His suffering and resurrection. 

*See Isaiah liii: 9. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 83 



l^fe k'fiinTedion. 



AELY at morn, Love sat alone, 
i^^ By Eoman Seals, on that great stone, 
AVhich soldiers placed to guard the grave, 
And from his friends this body save. 
But, O what glory circles round ! 
The soldiers like the dead are found, 
Powerless beside their swords they lie, 
While Mercy softly passes by. 
He rose triumphant! Glorious King! 
His praises speak, his praises sing, 
Till He to earth again shall come. 
His people meet, and welcome home. 
Xow Eoman soldiers haste away, 
At early dawn of opening day. 
Sanhedrim hear ! the news we bring, 
Jesus has risen ! the wondrous King 



84 The Atonement Ultima-tuule. 

Has triumphed ! mighty angels came, 
In robes of bright and burning flame, 
T' o]3pose them, O how weak we grew ! 
They rolled away the stone, and flew 
Into the grave ! We saw them there, 
We saw His glory everywhere, 
Above, around the angels came, 
And glorified the conqueror's name. 
We lay till Jesus left the grave. 
He conquered death and He can save. 



Hark ! soldiers listen ! High Priests, say, 
List for your lives ! we humbly pray. 
You must not say that Jesus rose, 
For this will all our sins disclose. 
But now disciples meet the Lord, 
And wondrous visions they record, 
Of glory ! Of celestial things. 
Which Jesus to their memory brings. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 85 

Ho meets them where they meet to pray, 
He breathes upon them, bids them stay, 
And view His wounded hands and side, 
Xor doubt that He was crucified. 
Stay at Jerusalem and wait, 
Till I have opened wide the gate 
Of death ! and ray disciples bring, 
To glorify th' Eternal King ! 
I'll lead you then to Bethany, 
*The promised Mount of Gallilee, 
I'll bless you there, then ojDe the way, 
To brighter realms in endless day. 

* See Matt, xxviii; IG — 18. Luke xxiv: 50. 



86 The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 



lie %pni§ in 



rison. 



ND now, anotlier work behold ! 
)(c, Whicli doth Immanuers grace unfold 
In triumph ! O'er death's darkest gloom, 
Where spirits stay beyond the tomb. 

host ! who fell before the flood, 

In death's dark vale ! Once Sons of God, 
The prison doors I ope to you, 
Who once my name and pardon knew. 
When you rebelled against my law, 
Though you the curse in Adam saw, 

1 made no promise then to you, 

By which my purpose you could view; 
Nov could an angel break the seal, 
Which Avould your future state reveal. 
Unlike the fallen sons of men, 
You knew their pain and guilt — and then 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 87 

Sa\v, if you mixed with human kind, 

You sacrificed your God-like mind, 

Of purity, of life and love, 

And lost your claim to heaven above. 

Eegardless of my stern decree. 

You sought the dregs of misery, 

Till o'er the earth from shore to shore. 

Life's fruit was eaten now no more. 




The Atonement Ultima-thule. 



|l.? |c!T of |rati|. 

Y mission now I "will unfold, 
To all "God's Sons" who sinned of old 
Tliose who accepted in the fall, 
The jjromise I had made to all. 
Of Adam's race ! who cried to me 
To pardon sin — to cleanse — to free 
The soul from stains that sin had made, 
I have for you th' atonement laid. 
And now at your dark prison door, 
I offer you th' atoning j30wer 
Of resurrection ! to a state 
Of glory which to man of late, 
I have achieved, near Calvary's hill, 
Which purpose I did there fulfill. 
I've conquered death, disarmed the grave, 
I can th' repentent sinner save, 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 89 

I can and will my people raise, 

In liuman forms to sing my praise. 

This is free grace, in mercy given. 

That you may rise from earth to heaven; 

That you may meet my people there. 

In robes of glory in the air. 

For fiiith hath saved you in my sight, 

You called on me, you sought for light. 

To lead you through death's dreadful way, 

Where demons howl, and devils stay. 

Who, then, your prison door could reach? 

Who could to you redemption preach? 

An angel could not reach this place, 

Nor be a messenger of grace ; 

For death held undisputed sway, 

His bars were stronger far than they. 

Nor could a creature made of clay, 

Take prisoners from this cell away; 

I, only T, could meet the foe, 

And conquer death on earth below. 
8 



90 The Atonement Ultima-thule, 

Then from his hand I took this key ! 
AVliile he sank down afraid of me: 
And now these doors I open wide, 
I've conquered death and hell beside; 
The tyrant feels my heav}^ chain, 
While I to you my love proclaim, 
^^M}" voice then hear beyond the tomb, 
You"re welcome to my glorious home. 
Then leave this prison, come with me, 
And my ascending glory see ! 

Note. — It is probable tbat very many of the Sons of God 
after their fall called upon God for mercy, and exercised as 
strong faith in the promised Messiah as did the sons of men, 
and as the atonement preceded their fall, its application to them 
in their final entrance into glory could only proceed from Him 
who had conquered death, and He alone could make the decla- 
ration. 

-•■ John X : 16. 



The Atonement TJltima-thule. 91 




W %vm\[ at Ictbinn. 



OW, near to Bethany, behold ! 



i@ The Savionr leading forth His fold, 

see! on eai-th Avith awe sublime, 
Th' ascension of the King Divine ! 
Bless'd be ye now, my people hear ! 
Bless'd in your work, you need not fear, 
All power is to my person given, 

On earth below, or high in heaven ! 

1 bless you as you preach my name, 
Go preach the Lamb for sinners slain, 
I'm with you always to the end. 

Your Lord and Saviour, Priest and friend. 
Go ! go through storms on earth below, 
M3' free and full salvation show, 
Proclaim through all the earth around. 
What glories in my name are found. 



92 The Atonement Ultima-thule. 

To the believing sinner say, 

Your sins can all be washed away; 

Who sins against the Holy Ghost ! 

Forever his poor soul is lost ! 

Tell sinners I for them have died, 

Endured the Cross — was crucified, 

Have conquered death, have cleft his chain, 

No terrors now in death remain. 

The Tree of Life, to mortals say, 

Is taken quite from earth away, 

It bears its fruit near my blest throne, 

For them to eat, and them alone. 

Bless'd be your eyes for what you see ! 

Bless'd in this work of grace with me, 

Bless'd in the realms of glory bright, 

Then walk with me in endless light. 

Farewell! I'll meet you once again, 

Then in Jerusalem remain, 

Till Coronation anthems rise, 

And glory fills the upper skies. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 93 

AVhen I my regal power disj)lay, 

At God's right hand, in realms of day! 

Then I'll remember you below, 

To you my inspiration show, 

My peuticostal blessing share. 

Go, wait! I'll surely meet you there. 



94 The Atonement Ultima-thule. 



k iKCcnsion, 



^■[WllEN" glory fills the realms of light, 
(5^^^ Translucent brightness dims the sight, 
The heavens God's purposes declare, 
As serajijhs fill the viewless air. 
Then clouds of glory men behold, 
While saints and angels, millions told! 
Prepare t' escort the wondrous King 
And everlasting praises sing. 
Hark ! hear a voice in yonder sky, 
Let all the Host of heaven draw nigh ! 
Be ope ! ye everlasting doors, 
The voice like mighty thunder roars, 
*Be opened wide ! to entertain 
The Lamb of God ! for sinners slain. 

*See Psalm xxiv. 



The Atonement TJltima-thule. 95 

Then Jesus spreads His hands to bless, 

He'll never love His jjeople less, 

Cherubic legions guard the way, 

As up from earth to cloudless day, 

He hastes ! O see th' angelic choir ! 

The cloud of Life's seraphic fire ! 

From earth, O glorious King arise ! 

Man's consubstantial sacrifice. 

O see ! Immanuel leads the way, 

Immaculate Conqueror ! King of day ! 

The grand triumphal now is given, 

The conqueror crowned the God of heaven. 

Archangels lift their pinions high, 

As this grand Convoy jiasses by, 

And cheru^bim with loud acclaim, 

Shout glory to th' Eternal Name. 



But man, weak man, still gazes high, 
Till Love and Mercy passes by, 



9S The Atonement Ultima-thule. 

And calls for hope and songs of praise, 
To Him ! who far beyond their gaze, 
Is now enthroned in endless day, 
Beyond the vale of mortal clay. 
Wliy gaze, ye wonderers, O why gaze ? 
Behold He's lost in glory's blaze, 
He'll come again to own and bless. 
The people of His covenant grace, 
To raise the dead again He'll come, 
And welcome all His people home. 
Then Love and Mercy flit away, 
To join the Host in endless day, 
And with the Council celebrate, 
The day when Christ in Eegal State, 
Shall Deify the human clay, 
And cast the cumbrous dross away. 



Behold the grandeur ! looming high, 
What brilliant glory fills the sky! 



The Atonement TJltima-thule. 97 

The Conqueror takes the Diadem, 

And heaven responds a loud amen. 

He's gone! the reft disciples cry, 

He's here, the archangel hosts rc])!}^, 

Hope trembles in the timid soul, 

AVhile heaven's bright waves of glory roll — 

Far out — no human eye can see, 

Th' Celestial Throne of Deity ; 

AVhere through bright morning's gleaming arch. 

The heavenly hosts in triumph march. 

But see! see! The -central day — 

Far out — quite far from earth away, 

Arcana of delight sublime ! 

Where myriad sunbeams always shine, 

And notes celestial ceaseless rise. 

Through these bright Orient azure skies, 

In everlasting songs of love, 

Commingling with the Hosts above. 
9 



98 The Atonement Ultuia-tiiule. 



||lt(* l^oronaiion. 




J^OLD! hold! Celestial ClieruLs ery. 
Beliokl tbe King of Glory's nigh I 
la yonder cloud so dazzling bright, 
A])proaehing toward these realms of liglit. 
Who is the King of Glory there? 
Who rides triumphant through the air? 
They come! th' redeeined to glory come! 
Tl»e Council Avelcomes God's dear Son! 
And all the troj^hies of His grace, 
Are welcomed to this happy place. 
Crown Ilini ye morning sons of light! 
Crown Him with dazzling gloiy bright! 
Crown Him who conquered death and hell, 
Crown Him the King Iniraanuel! 
Tlicn brilliant diamonds briglit and fair, 
And sparkling rubies glitter there, 



The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 99 

Ami pearls of richer luster glow, 

Than e'er were fovmd on earth below; 

And gold like tints of early morn, 

His crown illume, His head adorn, 

Tliis is the King of glory, lie! 

Tir incarnate lurni of Deity ! 

Then shouts of j^i'^iscs round the Throne, 

In one vast acclamation known, 

By thousands and ten thousands given 

To Jesus ! NoAV enthroned in heaven. 

The Wonderful! The Counsellor! 

O'er Death and Hell, the Conqueror.. 

He takes the mediatorial seat, 

Th' atonement now is made complete. 

The i:)urchase given, the ransom jDaid ; 

The law fulfilled, the sentence stayed. 

All glory to th' Eternal King! 

lict all the high-born seraphs sing, 

While God's redeemed in holier strains. 

The great redemption loud liroclaims. 



100 The Atonement Ultima-tiiuls. 

To Him who felt temj^tation's j)Ower, 
Who guards them through life's fitful hour, 
AVho sees the tears His people shed, 
Now lives to raise the slumbering dead ! 
He'll take them Jiome to endless day, 
And wipe their sorrowing tears away. 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 101 



|l^ W^^ 



mtn. 



§EHOLD the glory! see the Throne 
Is brighter thau the noonday sun. 
Sec! The mysterious, wondrous Seven, 
The Mystic Seals ! to mortals given, 
Seven candlesticks of burnished gold, 
:N"ear to the throne our eyes behold; 
Seven Tillars ! Wisdom's house adorn, 
More glorious than the tints of morn; 
Seven thunders uttered from the throne. 
Seven Vials make His terror known, 
And God's Seven Spirits which He sent. 
The great Grand Council represent. 
Then loud the great Eedeemer cries, 
To earth repair! Go, leave the skies! 



102 The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 

Go Cherub of Immortal Light, 

Go Council to that world of night, 

Go Spirit form Myself I send ! 

The Archetypal Sonship blend, 

In man's redemption from the fall, 

I offer still Myself for all. 



The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 



103 



Ik lupfem of tliD |olg |!tost. 



fl^^EAPt to the place where my red blood, 
•(^^) Fresh from the Cross, a healing flood, 
3Iy dear disciples meet to pray, 
For my great Penticostal day, 
To he indued! with power divine, 
Then with them in thy glory shine— 
O Council ! touch their tongues with fire, 
Their hearts enlarge, their souls inspire. 
Go like a mighty rushing flame. 
Go ! go to them in my great Name, 
And fill their souls to overflow, 
And pour my Spirit out below. 
^Twas done! The Council did repair 
To earth! to hear the suppliant prayer, 



lOi The Atonement ULXiiiA-TiiuLE. 

Of God's elect ! who waiting pray, 
Tliat He would now His grace disjilay 
They wait a moment, listening, then, 
As the disci2:)les shout, amen ! 
Their eyes are ojiened wide to see, 
Tl>e Spirit power of Deity ! 



The Atonement Ultima-thule. 105 



altq IJclestial louniain. 

MT comes with overwlielming tide, 
) From Ilim who has for sinners died, 
They talk like those of classic lore, 
And unknown languages explore. 
Their tongues like lambent flame appear. 
The Spirit fills their souls with cheer, 
While hallelujahs loud arise. 
To Him who made the sacrifice. 
Then let the fountain deep and wide, 
Omnific— ceaseless flowing tide — 
Out from the throne of God above, 
An inexhaustive fount of love, 
Flow on, till o'er the human soul, 
God's purifj-ing fountains roll, 
Till man in excellence and love-. 
Shall imitate the blest above ; 



lOG The Atonement Ultima-tiiule. 

Shall join tlie host in cloudless day, 
Whei-e fears and death have j^assed away; 
Shall at the mam'iage supper claim, 
A seat through ITis atoning name. 
Shall enter through His temjile gate 
In royal robes ! In regal state, 
And near His throne forever stay, 
AYhere toils and pain have passed awa3\ 



Be opened then ye emerald gates ! 

As Jesus for His people waits, 

The halcyon realms of life exj)lore. 

Where human sufferings all are o'er. 

There bright elysian flowers avo see. 

Near to the throne of Deity, 

And everlasting spring abides, 

Bayond old ocean's countless tides. 

The glorious city now behold, 

W,hose streets are paved with burnished gold, 



The Atonement TJltima-tiiule. 107 

Where saints of by-gone ages meet, 
Thro' Christ redeemed, thro' Him complete. 
O glorious day! thrice blest abode, 
Hail Tree of Life! Hail Host of God! 
Hail loved ones, past from earth away, 
Hail Choir Celestial! King of Day! 
Hail robes of pure and spotless white ! 
Hail Source of everlasting light! 
Amen! so let Thy Kingdom come, 
Thy will on earth, O Lord, be done. 



EXPLANATION. 



N THIS POEM the attention of the reader is at 
once directed to the announcement in heaven, 
that man had violated and transgressed the Law 
of God. At this announcement the Eternal Father 
convoked a Council of all the subsidiary attributes 
of Himself, to decide upon the consequences of the 
fall, and to establish the covenant of grace, on the 
basis of Eternal love and mercy. 

The tyjje of the Mercy Seat, the Cherubim of 
glory and the Seal of the Covenant, clearly reveal 
the fact of a Grand Council in heaven. 

In this Poem the Grand Council consists of the 
seven Spirits of God, the seven Pillars of Wisdom, 
the seven Attributes of Deity, viz., Justice, Mercy, 
Light, Life, Holiness, Love and Truth. 

The whole thesis of this Poem is so very novel, 

tragical, original and singular, that the author deemed 

(109) 



110 Explanation. 

it necessary that this explanation should accompany 
the Poem, and hoj)es the reading of this will prove 
alike j^rofitable and make plain what otherwise might 
appear metaphysical. 

This Poem does not assume to be a Theopneustic 
work, but simply an illustrated view of the Atone- 
ment, both Archetypal and TJltima-thule. The theol- 
ogy herein presented, will undoubtedly be as start- 
ling as it is new, and the author feels assured that 
few, if any, can read it with an unbiased mind. 

It has been an admitted fact among all theological 
writers, from time immemorial, tliat a Covenant of 
grace had been made, and was subsequently revealed 
to the earliest of our race, including in it the plan 
and purpose of human redemj^tion. 

The inquisitive reader asks, '"By whom was this 
Covenant of grace made?" 

All the great writers and scholars of the past and 
present generation answer, " The covenant was made 
between the Father, Son and Holy SjDirit." 

The Biblical student again asks, "Who is this 
Father, Son and Holy Spirit?" 

The answer is, " The one only living and true God." 

How strange ! that a one God could make a Gov- 



• Explanation. Ill 

eiiaiit with Himself, and saci'ifice one person of 
Himself upon the altar of His divine nature for 
]-chelIious man, who had rendered himself totally 
unworthy of such a sacrifice. 

Then, again, the theological divine explains the 
wonderful phenomena of human redemption, by show- 
ing Deity as an offended and angry party, who only 
can be appeased by the second person in the Trinity 
stepping between the offended and offender, and re- 
ceiving the blow. And still only "one God without 
bod}- or parts. ' 

How nn'sterious ! How strange ! 

But does the Eternal God receive glory or honor 
to Himself by such a strange exhibition of His wrath 
toward man ? 

In this Poem the mind of the reader is directed 
at once to the sublime and glorious attributes of 
God, which, in their subsidiary or auxiliary relation 
to the divine essence, form the Grand Council of 
the Eternal Court. 

Here man's dreadful condition is revealed before 
the Eternal Throne in the pleas made, and the rea- 
sonableness of the sacrifice is intelligently apparent. 
How beautifully mellowed down to the comprehen- 



112 Explanation. 

sion of the reader, does this Poem present the pur- 
pose of divine grace. 

Here see assembled the Grand Court of Eternal 
Equity, over which eternal love and goodness pre- 
side. 

Here see the purpose of redemption disclosed 
through the sin-atoning and sin-forgiving Messiah. 

Here see the Archetypal Sacrifice, which was hu- 
manly developed in the great Antitype, our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

The second Adam was made a quickening sjDirit, 
therefore the angels of God could only desire to 
look into the i^lan of human redemption, and to 
them the Book was sealed till the Archetypal Sac- 
rifice was made. 1 Pet. i : 12. Then, and not till 
tlien, Avas visible the spirit form of Immanuel. 

Again, none of the distinguished writers of the 
orthodox school have ever claimed more than a 
"j)romise" as a sacrificial offering till the Saviour 
expired on Calvary; and then, as the divine nature 
could not suffer, it becomes very apj)arent either 
that sin does not effect the immortal soul, or that 
man's immortal nature was overlooked in the sacri- 
fice. 



Explanation. 113 

Now let me ask if there was no Archetypal Sac- 
rifice made, how could man's spiritual nature be 
eftccted by the atonement ? How could Moses and 
Elias enter the celestial city? 

Can the reader not plainly see that the human 
sacrifice of Jesus only efi'ected to destroy the power 
of death, and provide for the resurrection and deifi- 
cation of His body, and, in the closing drama of 
earthly things, secure to the children of God a part 
in the first resurrection. There must, therefore, of 
necessity have been an archetypal sacrifice, made 
applicable to our spiritual natures, and thence we 
derive the internal evidence of our spiritual resto- 
ration. 

That our Saviour possessed an archetypal nature 
is admitted by very many, and that it was pre- 
existent is also admitted; and by some, so far remote 
was that pre-existence, as to involve the idea of the 
eternal Sonship of Christ. 

This last idea, in my mind, is the true interpre- 
tation of the "Word," and in this relation we can 
understand His declaration, when He said, "before 
Abraham was, I am," He was the first and the last 

from eternity to eternity. 
10 



114 Explanation. 

If, then, the soul of the first Adam could suffer 
to meet the demand of Justice, the second Adam — 
the Archetypal Christ — must suffer also. Then the 
prophets could say, in truth, " He was bruised for 
our iniquities;" "Smitten of God and afflicted." 

Here, then, we reach the climax in the Poem. 
This archetypal sacrifice was made antecedent to 
the promise, and man's restoration provided for by 
tlie Lamb slain, from the foundation of the world. 
The tragedy was complete in the archetypal sacri- 
fice, and the blood of sprinkling that speaketh bet- 
ter things than that of Abel, shed " diffusive o'er 
the Throne." Then by an unwavering confidence 
in His provision — faith in God — the application of 
the archetypal blood became available to the wash- 
ing away of sin in all ages of the world. 

By this Poem the reader will at once see why 
this sacrifice must be made, and the horrible idea 
of the Eternal Father striking His Son to appease 
His wrath toward an undeserving object, will be 
happily exchanged for a new, and, as I believe, bet- 
ter theory, viz., justice to man, to the attributes of 
God, and for the full exhibition of Love and Mercy 



Explanation. 115 

the sacrifice was made. This will secure to God the 
praises of all sentient intelligences. 

The next new and startling theme in the Poem, 
will only commend itself to the mind of the reader, 
after he . sees the absurdity so universally taught, 
and so curiously api^lied in the parable of the Prod- 
igal Son. 

This remarkable parable, so plain, so easily under- 
stood, is made to apply to Jew and Gentile, to saint 
and sinner, to Pharisee and Christian, and some- 
times even to backsliders. 

How strange that the elder or older son should 
be the Jews, and the younger son the descendants 
of Adam ! 

How strange that the older son should be the 
Pharisee, and the younger son the Christian ! 

How strange that the older son should be the 
saint, and the younger son the sinner; when Adam 
was the first man — the first sinner! 

In this Poem how beautifully appears the Eternal 
Father, pleading in behalf of the redeemed Church 
before the Host of heaven. Explaining to them the 
wondrous plan of grace, admitting th^ir integrity 
and man's necessity, and God's equity in the great 



116 Explanation, 

Atonement ; " Child, thou art ever with me, and all 
that I have is thine." Luke xv: 31. 

And still another strange and new idea presents 
itself to the reader of this Poem, that Adam and 
Eve had a posterity before they fell ! 

Strange as this may appear, I would ask the reader 
to reflect, that when God placed them in the garden 
He commanded them to multiply and replenish the 
earth. This was before they fell. See Gen. i: 28. 
Then after the fall Adam called his wife Eve, be- 
cause she was the mother of all living. How strange 
to have been a mother ! and especially the mother 
of ALL living, and as yet without a child — no mother 
at all ! Her maiden cheeks must have tinged at such 
a strange name, for a still more inexplicable reason, 
"because," etc. 

The Poem assumes the position that such a pos- 
terity did exist — perhaps vastly great. The term 
"aZZ living ^^ carries with it that idea. 

That these children of Adam were not effected by 
his fall, by his transgression, would appear self- 
evident, and that as the sin of Adam did not change 
his human organization, only his moral relation to 
God, and, as a consequence, brought pain and death; 



Explanation. 117 

they, that is, the children of Adam before he fell, 
would be like the children of Adam after he fell, 
only as above remarked. 

The sword was placed around the Tree of Life, to 
protect it against those only who ate of that forbid- 
den tree. Hence it still remained in the garden for 
those to eat who had not sinned, while Adam and 
Eve were shut out of this beautiful paradise of earth. 

How strange that Cain should exercise such fear 
of being slain, and that God should make a decree 
and place a mark upon him, when he had no one 
to fear but his father and mother; and who could 
know that they would ever have another son. See 
Gen. iv: 15. 

It is very evident that Cain's wife was not his 
sister, and that he did not wait till Adam's fallen 
posterity peopled the land of Nod, which was still 
further east of Eden, before he became a married 
man. This is so self-evident that it needs no com- 
ment. 

It is still more effectually proven that there were 
two distinct races of men on the earth at this time, 
if we consider the manner in which they were dis- 
tinguished. They were recognized by the Almighty 



118 Explanation. 

Himself as the "Sons of God" and the "Sons of 
Men." Why this distinguished appellation. Sons of 
God?" 

Dr. Adam Clarke says: "As there is a distinc- 
tion made here between men and those called the 
Sons of God, it is generally supposed that the im- 
mediate posterity of Cain and that of Seth are in- 
tended." 

If that were true, Seth must have been both Cain's 
brother and brother-in law, and it would be very 
difficult to make the distinction. 

Dr. Wall thinks this passage (Gen. vi : 2) to mean 
"that the chief men took wives of all the handsome 
poor women they chose." 

How curious that a chief man should be called a 
Son of God, and the poor be called the daughters 
of the children of men. How strange that hirth^ or 
fame, or wealth should so exalt this fallen race, as 
to entitle any to so distinguished honors and liberties. 

The Poem shows the legitimate reason why they 
were called the Sons of God, and also why marriage 
was prohibited between the races ; and reason and 
reflection will, I believe, convince any not too deeply 
interested in the old theories to abandon them at 



Explanation. 119 

once. How easy to see that Cain took a wife of tho 
daughters of the Sons of God, and that by so doing 
she sinned — they also fell — and relieve the mind of 
the horrible idea of brothers and sisters marrying 
after the fall. 

If Adam fell by t-ransgression, so also the Sons 
of God fell by transgression, and the temptation to 
sin being in another direction, made the first trans- 
gression the father of all transgression. Hence, "by 
one man's disobedience sin entered into tho world;" 
and "in Adam all die." 

If these arguments are irrefragable, then the con- 
clusions are inevitable, viz., that the atonement made 
for Adam's posterity must necessarily be made ap- 
plicable to the Sons of God, who had also fellen by 
transgression. 

Hence the Saviour declares, " Other sheep I have- 
which are not of this fold, them also I must bring 
and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one 
fold and one shepherd." John x: 16. 

To this class of intelligences (the Sons of God), 
there had been no covenant of promise made, nor 
could there have been any, for there was none re- 
vealed to the posterity of Adam till after the fall; 



120 Explanation. 

and, so long as they obeyed the command of God, 
they needed none. 

But we ai'e informed (Gen vi: 2) "that the Sons 
of God saw the daughters of men that they were 
fair, and they took them wives of all they chose," 
and here is revealed the cause of the great sorrow 
that found utterance from the lips of Deity. God 
declared that "His Spirit should not always strive 
with man," that the imaginations of his heart was 
only evil continually. 

"Giants," "migthy men," born to the Sons of God, 
■through this unholy wedlock, generations of near 
a thousand years, steeped in sin's direst chaldron, 
blackened by crimes the most revolting, and perpe- 
petrated by almost universal consent, till as many 
years had elapsed as from the commencement of the 
Christian era till now, and all flesh had become cor- 
ruj)t before God. 

Now of these Sons of God, who by transgression 
fell, there were multitudes that sought for mercy, 
for pardon, for eternal life; and, notwithstanding no 
provision had been revealed to them yet in the 
equity of God, such a provision was necessarily in- 



Explanation. 121 

volved, and this brings us to the consideration of the 
" Spirits in Pi-ison." 

Thus we read (1 Pet. iii : 18): "For Christ also 
hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, 
that He might bring us to God, being put to death 
in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit; by which 
also He went and preached to the spirits in prison. 
which sometimes were disobedient, when once the 
long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah 
while the ark was preparing wherein eight souls 
were saved by water." By which, "by being put 
to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit. 
He went and preached." 

Wow, notwithstanding all the arguments of Com- 
mentators, that "Christ preached through Noah," , 
etc., yet this one fact remains, that He, by the tri- 
umphant defeat of death, visited a race, a class of 
intelligences, who had not till then received the plan 
of the great atonement. 

Read 1 Pet. iv: 6: "Por, for this cause was the 

Gospel preached to them that are dead, that they 

might be judged according to the men in the flesh, 

but live according to God in the SjDirit." 

Who preached this Gospel to the spirits in prison? 
11 



122 Explanation, 

We answer, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Why did He preach this Gospel to them? 

We aiKiwer, "that they might be judged according 
to men in the flesh." 

Tlie sous of men who had believed on the prom- 
ised Messiah, had been judged worthy of a home in 
glory. So He judged them also worthy of eternal 
life, who, through faith in His name, had been quick- 
ened by the Spirit.'" 

I may be asked, "Where was this prison, which 
the Saviour visited, located? 

For the answer to this question, please read Eev. 
vi: 9, 10, and there the problem is solved. 

Our Saviour declares that " He had the keys of 
death and of hell; that He had ojiened the prison 
doors to them that were bound; that He had led 
captivity captive." 

All these passages find a plain and easy solution 
in this Poem. 

The author is fully aware that he is now, and by 
this Poem places himself in the polemic front, and 
will feel the lash of the skeptic, the philosopher, the 
critic, the commentator, and the scholar; but he is 
still conscious that the archetypal Christ is infinitely 



Explanation. 123 

divisible, und that He, by this Poem, is honored; His 

bh)od the cleansing fountain; He the rock of refuge; 

His law fulfilled, and God's throne made transcend- 

ently glorious. 

Therefore he begs of the reader to examine the 

arguments and the interpretations of Dr. Wall, Dr. 

Clarke, Dr. Henry, Dr. Gill, and all the rest of the 

great writers on this subject, and then judge of the 

Atonement Illustrated. 

THE AUTHOE. 



